Basketball Game Preview: Illini Central Cougars vs. Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers

Illini Central and Mt. Pulaski are an even 5-5 against one another since November of 2018, but not for long. The Illini Central Cougars will head out to face off against the Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Illini Central has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.

Illini Central is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They slipped by Lutheran 83-82 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Mt. Pulaski came up short against Heyworth on Saturday and fell 65-53. The loss continues a trend for the Hilltoppers in their matchups with the Hornets: they've now lost four in a row.

Illini Central pushed their record up to 10-6 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 69.4 points per game. As for Mt. Pulaski, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-9.

Illini Central might still be hurting after the 59-37 loss they got from Mt. Pulaski in their previous matchup back in November of 2024. Can Illini Central avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.